The US EPA has set water quality standards in accordance with the Clean Water Act: Water quality standards are important because they help to protect and restore the quality of the Nation’s surface waters, consistent with the requirements of the Clean Water Act. Standards help to identify water quality problems caused by, for example, improperly treated wastewater discharges, runoff or discharges from active or abandoned mining sites, sediment, fertilizers, and chemicals from agricultural areas, and erosion of stream banks caused by improper grazing practices.* The impacts of nitrates and phosphates on water have been gaining increased press. But, from the list above, one can see that these are not the only impacts that need attention.

* water.epa.gov This unit features 3 lessons and 9 files. Lessons are aligned to NGSS.

This unit will discuss the importance of water quality, describe several impacts to water quality, and include a data analysis activity that students complete to determine how wetlands play a role in water quality. This unit features 4 lessons and 7 files. Lessons are aligned to NGSS.

What do you know about GMOs? This course describes the role of genetically modified organisms in modern agriculture. Did you know that by the year 2050 we are expecting a world population of nearly 10 billion people?  This unit will help you understand some of the ways the agriculture industry is working to meet this growing demand for safe, affordable, healthy food. Learning objectives: Discuss the history of genetically modified crops, Differentiate between the terms genetically modified and genetic engineering, Assemble a genetically engineered organism, Outline the safety regulations for genetically engineered organisms, Explain the contributions of GMOs to global sustainability, Explain how soybeans have been improved as a result of genetic modification

Have you ever done a DNA extraction? Most DNA extractions are done with a known source and students can visualize DNA. The favorite items are strawberries or students’ own cheek cells. This unit shows what biotech scientists do next. This unit features 2 lessons and 3 files. Lessons are aligned to NGSS.

Understand and appreciate food producers through this case study and determine what decisions must be made on a yearly, monthly, or daily basis to maintain an environmental system that will continue to produce food and products to meet consumer demands while maintaining soil and water quality. This unit features 3 lessons and 7 files. Lessons are aligned to NGSS.

Students explore international organizations working to address hunger challenges and the growing demand for protein in these three lessons. This unit features 3 lessons and 6 files. Lessons are aligned to NGSS.

Soil tests show the pH and nutrient amounts in a field. Soil chemistry determines the amount of root growth, the amount of nutrients that can be held in the soil, and the ability of plants to take in and use those nutrients. But why is pH important and what are the consequences of different levels of pH? This unit features 3 lessons and 5 files. Lessons are aligned to NGSS.